{"id":645,"date":"2024-10-24T13:51:27","date_gmt":"2024-10-24T05:51:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php\/2025\/03\/07\/i-took-my-camper-van-across-48-us-states-these-are-my-10-favorites\/"},"modified":"2025-11-23T09:56:01","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T01:56:01","slug":"i-took-my-camper-van-across-48-us-states-these-are-my-10-favorites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/?p=645","title":{"rendered":"I took my camper van across 48 US states. These are my 10 favorites"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Hitting the road in a camper van is one of the most intimate \u2013 and exciting \u2013 ways to experience the USA.<\/p>\n

Which is why I set off on a two-year road trip with my husband and dog in 2017. We camped in 48 states, hiked countless national parks, ate in local towns and drove from coast to coast in our 1996 retro camper van.<\/p>\n

As our trip unfolded, we learned that certain states suited us van campers better than others. The states of the Southwest, for example, contain a wide diversity of landscapes within their free public lands. The East Coast amazed us with stunning fall colors and historic towns we had previously only seen in books.<\/p>\n

While every state added something unique to our adventure, a few really stood out. Having now crossed the entire continental United States, we\u2019re delighted to share the 10 best US states that are perfect for your next camper or RV trip.<\/p>\n

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Where to find the best US national parks for RV campers this summer<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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With so many pine forests, much of Maine smells like Christmas trees \u00a9 Onne van der Wal \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Maine<\/h2>\n

Pine forests and craggy coasts <\/strong><\/p>\n

Driving into Maine from its northwest side brings tall pine trees, skinny roads and no cell phone service for miles. This was the stuff of a novel by famous Mainer Stephen King \u2013 and to us West Coast folks, it was the unfamiliar territory that made the trip that much more exciting. In northern Maine, the entire landscape smells like Christmas trees. (We learned from a fellow camper that balsam fir collected from Maine provides the largest supply of Christmas wreaths in the country.) Heading toward the coast, we reached Acadia National Park, where the mountains meet the ocean. We were happy to find that this is one of the most dog-friendly parks in the USA, which meant we got to bring our travel companion along many of the trails.<\/p>\n

The 10 best parks in Maine to hike, snowshoe or swim<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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More hiking is on the itinerary for our return to New York State \u00a9 Walter Bibikow \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. New York<\/h2>\n

Forget the city, and head upstate<\/strong><\/p>\n

Putting New York State on our top-10 list was a tough call, since it shares so many things we loved about Vermont and New Hampshire as well, like incredible fall foliage. Yet New York makes the cut thanks to its surprising (to us) range of geography. From Eternal Flame Falls in the state\u2019s far west to wineries in the Finger Lakes and watchtower hikes high in the the Adirondacks, we barely had enough time to check off everything on our must-visit list. And that\u2019s not to mention the more well-known Lake Placid Olympic sites, Niagara Falls and Letchworth State Park. What\u2019s more the hiking trails all over the state really impressed us. Now that we\u2019ve sampled a bit of all the state has to offer, it\u2019s at the top of our itinerary for future road trips.<\/p>\n

6 Hudson Valley road trips for every type of traveler<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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The back roads through the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee hold many surprises \u00a9 jadimages \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Tennessee<\/h2>\n

The Great Smoky Mountains are especially beautiful in fall<\/strong><\/p>\n

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited one in the whole country \u2013 and for good reason. As we visited the park and drove through Tennessee in the fall, we took in the rolling mountains and waterfalls that dot the landscape, finding countless surprises around each corner of the twisty back roads.<\/p>\n

Traveling in a camper van, we\u2019re always on the lookout for affordable things to do. The mountain town of Gatlinburg is the perfect gateway for enjoying free trails in and around the national park. We spent the majority of our visit hiking through the colorful forests and climbing fire towers to get the best viewpoint.<\/p>\n

Where to celebrate Dolly Parton in Tennessee<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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It’s easy to find campsites among the varied landscapes of California \u00a9 Kate Moore \/ Lonely Planet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. California<\/h2>\n

Experience a little bit of everything<\/strong><\/p>\n

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If we had to pick one state to experience a little bit of everything, it would be California. Its ecosystems are so varied that you don\u2019t need to drive too far to witness something new; in fact, the place is so large and diverse that it shouldn\u2019t even count as a single state. Despite the state\u2019s famous popularity, the vast size of its public lands made finding campsites easy. Within the space of a few days, we spent evenings under the famous redwood trees, had picnics by the ocean and wandered aimlessly among the cacti of Death Valley National Park. Oh, and rock climbed in Joshua Tree National Park, took a dip in Lake Tahoe and hiked among the rocks of Lassen Volcanic National Park.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you need to know before your trip to California<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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Connect with history at the Gettysburg battlefield in Pennsylvania \u00a9 drnadig \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Pennsylvania<\/h2>\n

A cradle of American history <\/strong><\/p>\n

Pennsylvania turned out to be one of the most memorable states we visited, thanks to its role in the USA\u2019s story. We spent an entire day taking an auto tour around the Gettysburg National Military Park, and seeing the battlefields in person brought to life the history we had read in school. Eastern State Penitentiary and Valley Forge National Historic Park were other stops we hadn\u2019t considered before rolling into Pennsylvania. While federal public land is sparse here, Pennsylvania has numerous state parks that offer free, easily accessible camping.<\/p>\n

The 5 best road trips in the Poconos<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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In the summer months, Michigan abounds with farmers markets and fresh produce \u00a9 Gary Ennis \/ iStockphoto \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. Michigan<\/h2>\n

Great Lakes and pristine beaches<\/strong><\/p>\n

From its southern stretches to the Upper Peninsula, Michigan has a surprising number of pristine beaches that are not packed with tourists like the ones we visited in California. One of my favorite memories is camping on the shore of Lake Superior, having dinner on a pebble beach after several days of visiting Great Lakes lighthouses.<\/p>\n

We were able to find camping spots all the way north to the UP, feasting on whitefish and pasties (meat pies) along the way. In the summer months, bushes brim with fresh berries to pick, and farmers markets abound with fresh produce.<\/p>\n

11 of the best places to visit in Michigan<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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Staying in the Minnesota wilderness means you might spot the northern lights \u00a9 Steve Burns \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7. Minnesota<\/h2>\n

See the northern lights on a fall night<\/strong><\/p>\n

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We just loved Minnesota, which rarely makes the list of top road-trip spots in the USA. Known as the state of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota had no shortage of fishing holes and quiet campsites by the water. We were able to travel all the way north to the border of Canada and take a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters. While Minnesota winters are exceptionally cold, fall is lovely here. And the chances are high that you can see the northern lights on a cloudless night.<\/p>\n

Minnesota\u2019s best \u2013 and most underrated \u2013 state parks<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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Arizona makes nomadic and off-grid travelers feel right at home \u00a9 grandriver \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8. Arizona<\/h2>\n

Natural wonders for everyone; off-grid travelers most welcome<\/strong><\/p>\n

For outdoor enthusiasts who love mountain biking, rock climbing and stunning hikes, Arizona is a gem. While most people (rightly) associate the state with the Grand Canyon, all of it is ripe for adventure. Free campsites are scattered in the forests surrounding Sedona, Flagstaff and southern Arizona, which makes it one of the most budget-friendly places to visit year-round.<\/p>\n

We loved Arizona\u2019s warmth and hospitality toward explorers from elsewhere. Indeed, the state is a magnet for anyone interested in off-grid living. Each February, the town of Quartzsite swells to accommodate nearly 2 million travelers, who visit in camper vans, RVs and converted school buses. Workshops and community events held on the outskirts of town teach travelers about van life, provide help with solar-panel installations and bring people together to share tips on future road trips. All these services for nomads provide a sense of community \u2013 which, together with the fair weather, make Arizona the perfect launchpad for an epic road trip.<\/p>\n

Introducing Arizona\u2019s national parks and monuments<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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Camping in the deserts of New Mexico brings many advantages \u2013 and adventures \u00a9 YayaErnst \/ iStockphoto \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9. New Mexico<\/h2>\n

Do you prefer red or green chile?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Starry nights. Predictable (even if chilly) temperatures. Few flying bugs. What\u2019s not to love about camping in the desert? And when it comes to spectacular desert vistas, New Mexico is in a class of its own. Endless trails lead through spire-like hoodoo rock formations, while a lack of trees in the north allows for excellent landscape visibility, and some of the most magnificent sunsets we\u2019ve ever seen. It\u2019s also home to our favorite cave system, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, on the state\u2019s southern border.<\/p>\n

New Mexico\u2019s camping logistics are appealing, too. Large swaths of Bureau of Land Management (BLM)\u2013managed areas allow free camping, and the state generally flies under the radar, which makes it less crowded even in the most scenic areas. And we ate vibrant cuisine at affordable prices all over the state, an underrated food haven. Red or green chile? We\u2019ll take both.<\/p>\n

How to take a perfect spring-break road trip through New Mexico<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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In Utah, five extraordinary national parks are yours to discover \u00a9 DanielGonzalezPhoto \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10. Utah<\/h2>\n

Come for the national parks. All five of them <\/strong><\/p>\n

Home to five national parks, Utah might be the most picturesque state we visited. Our goal? Getting to all of the Mighty 5: Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. An essential tip we picked up along the way: get to the national parks early<\/em>. By following this advice, we were able to beat the crowds; it often felt like we had the park to ourselves. Climbing Angels Landing in Zion had always been a goal of mine \u2013 but the trail can be overly packed by 10am. Arriving early made all the difference; here was a fantastic way to take advantage of the mobility a camper van affords you.<\/p>\n

15 unique activities to add to your Utah bucket list<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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